Palace reveals rare look at royal horses preparing for today's State Opening of Parliament
Go behind the scenes at the Royal Mews as Windsor Grey horses prepare for the State Opening of Parliament. See the training, tradition, and ornate state coaches
The Royal Family has shared a captivating video offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous training and preparation for the State Opening of Parliament. The footage showcases the magnificent horses of the Royal Mews as they get ready for one of the most important dates in the ceremonial calendar.
A Glimpse into Royal Tradition
The video, shared on the family's official Instagram account this morning, gives the public a rare insight into the work that goes into the historic pageantry. Set to orchestral music, the montage shows the famous Windsor Grey horses being put through their paces on the grounds of Windsor. These horses are not a specific breed but are specially chosen for their calm temperament and striking appearance, a practice dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria. Clips feature riders in high-visibility vests guiding the horses through exercises, while other scenes show the animals cantering in formation across lush green fields.
The post’s caption explains: “The horses in The Royal Mews have been practising and preparing for today’s State Opening of Parliament.” It also named several of the equine stars taking part, including Runnymede, Echo, Maple, and Knightsbridge. The video highlights the incredible attention to detail from the team at the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in the world. Viewers are shown close-ups of staff braiding a horse’s mane and painstakingly polishing an ornate black, red, and gold State Coach. This carriage is central to the day's events, as tradition dictates the King and Queen travel from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, escorted by the Household Cavalry. The ceremony marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and is the only regular occasion when the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons come together. Once there, King Charles III will deliver the King's Speech, outlining the government's agenda.
A Balancing Act of Duty
The elaborate preparations highlight a day of significant, yet varied, duties for the Royal Family. While King Charles and Queen Camilla are at the heart of the ancient state ceremony in London, other senior royals are focused on different responsibilities. In a significant moment, Catherine, The Princess of Wales, is currently on a solo overseas trip to Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. This marks her first international visit since her cancer diagnosis in early 2024. The visit, undertaken on behalf of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, will see her study an educational philosophy focused on community-based, early-years learning. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales is understood to be at home in Windsor, caring for the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The glimpse into the preparations was met with widespread admiration online. Royal watchers flooded the comments section with praise for the stunning display of tradition. "What a BEAUTIFUL tradition it is," one user wrote, while another commented, "Bravo a safe and Happy opening to all." The post serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted customs and the dedicated team working behind the scenes to bring these historic national moments to life.